How to apply for Pre-Check

To be eligible for Pre-Check, a frequent flier must be selected by their airline. This is usually reserved for only the most frequent travelers. You should check with your airline. The Pre-Check program is free.

Travelers who want to apply for approval through the international Global Entry program must apply online with Customs and Border Protection at globalentry.gov. It costs $100 for a five-year clearance and includes an in-person interview, which must be done at the nearest Global Entry enrollment office. The nearest office for Orange County residents is at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal on the third floor departure level behind the airport information counter.

Canadians who are members of the Nexus program and are traveling within the U.S. also are eligible for Pre-Check.

John Wayne Airport on Wednesday unveiled the new Pre-Check program for select travelers approved to use a faster, easier security screening process.

Travelers approved by the Transportation Security Administration will go through a separate security line. They won't have to take off their shoes, belts or jackets or remove laptops or liquids for inspection.

John S. Pistole, TSA's administrator, said Orange County is the 35th U.S. airport to get Pre-Check, which he called a major step toward making travel easier.

"(Passengers) will be allowed to keep their light jackets or shoes on for the first time since the event of 9/11 and (shoe bomber) Richard Reid," Pistole said.

The program, however, is very limited. Only 500 John Wayne passengers have been approved– mostly premier frequent fliers with Alaska, American, Delta, United and U.S. Airways and others in the Global Entry program for international travelers.

In addition, even when travelers are approvedfor the Pre-Check program, they may not be allowed through the special security line.

On Wednesday, a TSA agent rejected three Pre-Check travelers in a row and sent them, without explanation, for a regular security check.

John Hemmingway of Villa Park began to walk toward the regular security line after being turned down by Pre-Check, telling his wife Carol, "I'll meet you there."

Then his wife, who was right behind him in the Pre-Check line, got rejected, too.

"This is ridiculous," Carol Hemmingway said. "It's the first time I've used it and for two of us to be excluded?"

Moments later, Patricia Barry, a traveler returning to her home in Dallas, got approved without a hitch.

"I use it all the time," she said. "(Traveling) is like it used to be before 9/11."

Travelers approved for the Global Entry program, which expedites security and customs for international travel, also can use Pre-Check, but with the same random selection.

Jan Hezzelwood a San Clemente travel consultant for Luxury Travel Network, has warned about the capriciousness of the Pre-Check and Global Entry programs after John Wayne announced the expedited security screening.

"Of the four domestic flights and two international flights I've flown since I have received this designation, only one time was I allowed to bypass the long lines," she said.

She said she always approaches the line with her liquids in a baggie and ready to comply with the regular security regulations in case she's not chosen.

Pistole said the agency hopes to expand the program next year to include other airlines.

Related Links

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.